I am dreadfully sorry that I took so long to update my story. Forgive me. I was gone in Jamaica longer than expected, and immediately searched for a job to help pay for college. So I was extremely busy and was forced to put my story on a hiatus. But fear not! I have once again been struck with inspiration, and hope many of you will find it pleasing to read. Enjoy.

Chapter 5

Midna shivered slightly. The man gracefully descended on a knee, and looked up at her with those cold blue eyes. He wore a black formal attire that was adorned in twilit symbols, and added a finishing touch of a cape. The black that he wore brought out his blue eyes even more. He gently took her hand and brushed a kiss on her silky skin, never letting go of eye contact. The crowd shifted uncomfortably in silence waiting for their princess' response. She was much too shocked in her mind, but didn't let an ounce of emotion betray her face. She hadn't expected someone this regal to be the one who tried to make her swoon over him. Not to mention his face was unfamiliar to the kingdom. Midna was the princess of all Twilight. Surely she should have seen him at least once in her lifetime, but then again, she was still a very young ruler and had much more to unveil in her ruling. But still, for some odd reason, she felt like she had seen him before. Those face structures, and those icy eyes. He was well built, which was uncommon in twili men. They were often long and lean.

"You may arise." she spoke in an authoritative tone.

He got up slowly and bowed deeply. "I am honored to be present at this celebration. My name is Zentus."

An eyebrow raised over a red eye. "State your reason for being here, Zentus." Her voice was gentle, but her fire danced in her eyes.

He smiled lightly, and gestured toward the crowd that froze in their steps. "Why, what is a beautiful princess doing not dancing in a ball of her honor?" He then offered a hand towards her. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

Everyone was silent. She could hear the pounding of her heart in her chest. She glanced at Sylvia. Her eyes were wide and she smiled. She tilted her head at the Twilit man urging her to accept his offer.

Midna forced herself into a fake smile. "I will accept your offer," she gently placed her fingertips on the palm of his hand. "It would indeed be your honor. Just try to keep up." A sly grin replaced the once gentle smile on her lips. Out of her peripheral vision, she could see Sylvia covered her face with her hand. She should have known Midna would have said something similar to that. But the crowd gasped and whispered to each other. Never have they seen their princess take up on a gentlemen's offer to dance. Much less talk to them more than five seconds.

He led her in the middle of the dance floor as the crowd moved behind to give them much room as possible. Midna had danced many times, and was quite talented in the area. And she was not going to hold back at all. If he wanted to dance with the Princess of Twilight, he certainly better be able to keep up. She was in no mood to be gentle and heartwarming. The music started off slow as he bowed toward her and she gracefully curtsied in return. He took one hand gently and placed the other at her hip. She stared into his blue eyes; they showed confidence and no weakness whatsoever. They moved gracefully to the music as their eyes never left each other. He was a puzzling man really, appearing out of nowhere, and somehow managed to get her to dance with him. Everyone knew Midna was the best dancer and Twilight and no one dared to ask her to dance in fear of making a fool of themselves. And the song that was playing was her favorite dance, and she was very, very good at it.

As the dance's tempo sped up, their dancing took off to another level. Twists and turns captivated the audience as they gracefully flew across the dance floor. Her skirts billowed and swept across her body as the fluid motions of her hips swerved against his. He looked down and back up smiling as he danced faster. He took her the arm and spun her outward and whirled her back into his body as they continued to dance difficult steps. She raised an eyebrow in curiosity. He was a surprisingly good dancer.

All of a sudden, teal colored sparks surrounded them as the danced to the music. Some of the sparks settled on her skin, giving her a beautiful glow, but most stayed in the air. She could feel the wisps of magic on her skin when they touched her. It tingled, but in a very pleasurable way.

She inhaled sharply at the touch of the magic. "What are you doing?" She whispered breathlessly.

He smiled coolly, "Just keeping up."

So, he wanted to play it that way. Well, she had more than a few tricks up her sleeve than just dancing well. Her hand gripped his shoulder tightly as he pulled her closer to his waist elegantly stepping to the rhythm. As the climax of the song grew near, they separated and danced to the opposite ends of the floor. Midna then glided toward him and leapt fearlessly. He caught her with his strong arms lifting her up as if she was an elegant swan in midair. People gasped with awe. He spun her slowly then finally lowered her down. They met eyes once again for a split second, and then broke contact when she turned around so that her back was facing Zentus. He took that as a signal to hold her hips tightly.

Right when he touched her, Midna's body radiated a cool blue light. It was his turn to inhale air sharply. She smirked at his reaction and turned her face toward her right shoulder as her waist flowed seductively with her arms. Their hips swerved fiercely at the high points of the dance. Just when the music was about to finish, Zentus held her waist with a firm grip as she dipped so that her back was arched back away from him as her arm went over her head as one leg went up with her arched body. They held the last pose for a moment then he finally helped her back into a standing position.

The people went wild. They cheered and glowed furiously at the wonderful and seductive dance. They both were out of breath as they met eye contact. Beads of sweat ran from their neck.

"You are the most alluring dancer I have ever seen, Princess," he said after he caught his breath.

"And you have managed to surprise me with your dancing skills. I underestimated you."

"It's perfectly understandable, Princess. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you, and to dance with you." He bowed deeply and kissed her hand once again. "Till next time." he have her one more look of his icy eyes and turned around walking towards the door that led outside of the castle. His cape flicked at the air as he walked swiftly.

Midna still held her gaze even though he was gone. The music had once begun to play as couples danced away. Sylvia came up to her and grinned.

"I told you that you would like him." she said in a know-it-all voice.

"I do not like him. I just danced with him is all."

She scoffed loudly. "You looked like you were having the time of your life! I have never seen you dance with so much passion. You were really enjoying yourself."

Midna sighed. "I just wanted to see if he could dance is all. If he was different from the others."

Sylvia nudged at her ribs a little. "He is certainly more handsome than the others," she said while winking.

"Sylvia!"

"What? It is true, Highness. You should of seen the way the girls were reacting. They were smitten with his looks. I could of sworn I saw their skin turn green with envy when you were dancing with him."

She hated to admit, that Zentus was far one of the most handsome Twili men she has ever seen. But she dared not admit it to Sylvia. The only one who was more attractive than him was her beloved hero from the world of light.

"You don't think so?"

"Believe me, Sylvia. I have laid my eyes on much better."

"You are exasperating Midna, I swear. Many girls would die to be in your position.

"Yes, but many girls wouldn't die just to see their only love," she thought. "What, to be flaunted over any male that sees her and being an item of lust just to gain power and riches? I could never love someone like that, much less marry at first sight. I have no time for silly games."

"But you could grow to like him."

"I don't want to 'grow' to like him. I want to like someone who is genuine and cares for me as well as I care for my people. I am not going to throw away the land of Twilight for a power hungry fool. Therefore love is not for me. At least not at this time."

"Well, I just think you're stubborn."

Midna cleared her throat. "I am not stubborn. I'm just not interested in it is all."

"At least admit he's handsome."

"Fine. He is easy to look upon. Are you pleased now?"

"Delighted," she said with sarcasm.

"I'm going to my study room. I need to clear my mind of certain things."

"But Princess, this celebration is in your honor. You should…"

"I said I'm going to clear my mind. I have been absent from my people before, another hour or so will not kill them."

"But…"

Midna gave her a death look, and she immediately shut her mouth.

"Yes your Highness."

She smiled innocently. "Good. I shall see that you will cover for me?"

"Of course Princess, no one will ever know you're missing."

She smiled and slowly disintegrated, vanishing into thin air. Shortly after, she appeared at her study room. It was a vast room, with shelves that contained books that decorated the walls. They were at least fifty feet tall easily. An ebony desk sat in the heart of the room furnished with turquoise twilit designs. She sat down on her chair and exhaled deeply with her eyes closed and rubbing her temples. There was so much on her mind right now. Her feelings were like torrents of an angry storm. Who was this "Zentus" character anyway? Why come now, and why hasn't she seen him before? It infuriated her that she was thinking about him, but she couldn't help it. His face seemed to be stuck in her head and wouldn't get out. A flashback of them dancing came to her. He was… a very skilled dancer. Never has she seen a better dancer. And what he did when the air sparkled around them. The feeling was horribly erotic. Midna shuddered as she tried to shake off the feeling.

Her head rested on her arms. She was all dressed up for nothing. Just an icon of royalty trying to please her people. What she really desired was for Link to somehow be here. Somehow be able to embrace her, touch her, and kiss her. She would never see his smiling face ever again, feel the warmth of his skin, smell the scent of his clothes, or even feel protected by his presence. Never again. The people of Twilight also expected their princess to fall in love with a twili being. How would they react to their ruler falling in love with a being of the light? They would undoubtedly shun her.

Wishing to dismiss her thoughts, she waved her hand and a random book from the top of one of the shelves slowly floated down to her hand. It was a rather old book and was worn out with age. She grabbed it and started reading to calm her mind from her thoughts. The title of the book read "The Distance Past of Twilight". She raised an eyebrow and opened it. She never noticed this book before. After all, there were countless numbers of books that rested in her study room. She began reading about the history of her land. How they were once a people that dwelled in the light world. Of course she knew very well of her people's past of being sorcerers and trying to seize control of the sacred realm. They were banished to the twilight realm many centuries ago. It said that they have evolved from their original form to a unique, black and white race. She flipped through the pages with disinterest. But then a sentence caught her eye. It read, "There is another way to grant them access into the light world". Her eyes widened as she continued reading on.

"As the sorcerers were banished into the limbo of the realm of twilight, many had gone mad in the soundless world of oblivion. As time passed on, many thought about what they have done and sought to repent them of their evil ways, and beg the goddesses' forgiveness. After much observation of the people and seeing that they were no longer evil, they let them slowly evolve to adapt to their surroundings. Along with the knowledge of being able to live in this realm and allowing them to flourish their race once again. Decades later, the Goddesses decided to bestow them a gift: the Mirror of Twilight. This powerful object of magic would allow the twili the ability to see what was going on in the light world."

She read with a faster pace. She already knew all of this.

"But in case the Mirror of Twilight would somehow be destroyed, there is another way to grant them access into the light world. It would be somewhat rather risky to those who do not have the potentiality of the correct magic in order to fulfill the spell. In result of failure would be agonizing torture that would take place for eternity. Precede with caution, do not attempt unless of absolute necessity. The other way of entering the light world without the Mirror of Twilight…"

She quickly turned the page.

"By which the weapons were formed with an ancient form of magic passed on from many generations…"

"What?!" she yelled out. She flipped back to the page that she was reading, and then to the next page. It couldn't be possible. Somehow the next page was a totally different subject, which was impossible seeing that it was the next page and could not have been ripped out. Her face drew closer to the page and ran her fingertips on it. She smirked at the feel of it. It was magic that concealed the book's true words. She placed her hand on the page in order dispel the magic that was cast on it before. As soon as her hand emitted a blue light, the book burst into flames.

"Curses!" she shouted as she dropped the book. Out of reflex, she fanned her hands in the air rapidly to relieve pain. She put out the fire quickly with a spell and inspected the damage that was done. It was completely ruined. The book was so old, that it burned quickly. Whoever had read the book first obviously didn't want anyone to find out the other to go to the light world.

Her last bit of hope vanished. She was so close, yet so far away. She cursed at the fact for having to destroying the mirror. Of course, she didn't want to destroy it. It was for the safety for her own people, and the dwellers of light. There could be countless people out there that could have the same ideas of Zant. Could have it been possible that it was him who found the book before, and put the spell on it?

Her teeth clenched at the sound of his name. She could still hear the disturbing sound of his laughter in her head. And those eyes pierced through her every time they came in contact with her. Her anger built as she thought of the time when he cast that dreadful curse causing her to be a helpless imp while she could only watch her kingdom being taken over. She could remember that day all too well.

She was out gazing on her balcony during the dusk of the day. It was such a beautiful night and she was having a good day. For once, Zant hadn't bothered her all day. His footsteps were heard behind her and she cringed when he reached out and touched her shoulder.

"My dearest Princess Midna, we could rule this whole kingdom together."

"Get your filthy hand off of me," she hissed.

He didn't remove his hand at all. He just smiled wickedly. "Marry me, and you will be the Queen of Twilight."

"You have asked me once, and my answer remains the same. Over my lifeless body." Her eyes were lethal.

"Do you not realize that we could rule for eternity side by side?"

She turned to face him and spat at his feet. "And make you the King of Twilight? You are mad."

"Combining your powers and mine, we would be immortal! We could envelope the light world in the precious shadows of darkness. We would become unstoppable!"

She glared viciously at him. "I will never touch those vile lips of yours. Or give you my kingdom."

Zant's eyes darkened. "You have no say in this Midna." He raised his hand to backhand her, but she easily stopped his hand in midair with her magic. He laughed maniacally. "You think your petty little magic is going to stop me? You are no longer the most powerful being in Twilight."

He broke away from her hold and struck her face. Her body twisted and landed on her side with a thud. The sheer shock of pain momentarily blinded her. Blood dripped down from her chin as she slowly got back onto her feet. She licked off the blood and grin maliciously.

"You have chosen the wrong day to mess with me. You will pay dearly for that."

"No Midna, it is you who are going to pay for your actions. You have denied my plans for our vengeance of the Goddesses have done to us. The world of Hyrule, their creation, is going to be mine."

He lunged at her with the new power of his magic. She easily sidestepped out of the way and countered with her own magic. She hurled a bluish liquid fire at him that did not miss. He howled in pain as he hunched over, clutching his stomach.

"You little wench!" He screamed.

Midna rested one hand on her hip and yawned delicately as if she was bored already.

"You underestimate me, Princess. Something you will regret for the rest of your life."

"Oh no! I'm trembling in my skin," she sneered sarcastically.

He instantly appeared two inches from her face. She looked surprised for a moment but didn't flinch. Then, he vanished and came from behind, jolting her body with some sort of lightening. Her body went into an uncontrollable spasm and then she collapsed on the floor. Her energy felt like it was sucked right out of her. She could barely even open her eyes to look at Zant. He lifted her up with his magic.

"Who's shaking in their skin now?" he said cruelly. He tossed her aside as if she was a feather. She stood up weakly and tried to bind him with her last bit of strength. He broke off the spell as if it he was walking through a cobweb. He walked slowly toward her and she raised her hands protectively taking while walking backwards.

"As I said before, you are no longer the most powerful being in Twilight," he said as he brought out his hand in front of him. Dark smoke emitted from his hand intertwining in the air. "My God gave me this glorious magic. He said I would be able to defeat you." He put his hands behind his back. "You see? I tried to make this easy for you. Offering my hand in marriage, but you had to be little miss noble." He looked at her dead in the eye. "Your pride is going to be your biggest mistake of your life." He thrust his hands in front of him as dark lightening emitted from his fingertips. There was no escape for her. She crossed her arms in front of her face defensively, but the magic consumed her.

She fell to her hands and knees as pain blossomed in her body. It was so excruciating, her vision was blurred. She looked at her hands. A horrified look swept over her face. They were small, infant-like hands. She turned her little black hands over to see if she was imagining things. She winced at the pain when she stood up. She took a look at her strange body. She had wide hips and short little legs. Her stomach bulged slightly and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Zant had prepared a mirror for her. How thoughtful of him, really. She shrieked when she saw her reflection staring back at her. Her hands went up to her face to see if it was real.

"Perhaps you being a useless little imp will help teach you how to be humble. Now, away with you!"

Her body started to disassemble into the familiar twilit squares. She screamed at the top of her lungs as she was banished from her own castle.

Midna gave herself a mental reassurance that it was only the past. After all, it was the past. And she was the rightful, benevolent ruler of Twilight. However, being the ruler of Twilight wasn't exactly effortless as it would seem. Not only did her people expect her to their advisor for everything, she was also pressured in finding a husband. Or more specifically, their future king. It was burdensome task to bear on her shoulders. Plus, the only man she had any slight of interest in was in another realm.

She remembered her first thoughts of Link when she saw him being dragged away by those dreadful twilit monsters. How he morphed into the "divine beast" as the Gods called. She only saw him as a tool to get back her kingdom from Zant. And how she selfishly used him to gather the Fused Shadows. She managed to rescue one before Zant had separated them into their own hiding place. It also served as a stylish headdress in her opinion. She laughed softly remembering the faces Link gave her when she mocked him. It was a great amusement back then to see him struggle.

He often called her a mischievous little imp when he was in human form. He never questioned her demands no matter how ludicrous they sounded or how flippant she was. Slowly, during their quest together, she began to realize that he took saving Hyrule and the Twilight Realm a serious matter. Well, she already knew he was going to help, but she never thought that he would risk his own life for the sake of everyone's freedom.

What really shocked her was when Princess Zelda sacrificed her own life in order to heal her when she was in near in death. Midna touched where her heart was. She still sometimes feel the bond that she and Zelda once shared. It was that very moment that she understood that those two would do absolutely anything in order to protect the land of Hyrule. The look on Link's face was unforgettable when Zelda gave up her life. He obviously cared deeply for the princess, and it pained Midna to see him broken hearted. And the look they both shared when the three of them were at the Mirror Chamber. She gathered the courage to tell that she loved him before she was about to shatter the Mirror. "Link, I…" then she gave up when she didn't want to ruin the love between the Princess and her Hero then quickly said "I'll see you later." She could have sworn she saw a look of disappointment on his face when she finished her sentence. Tears started to well up in her eyes again.

She slammed her fist down on the desk. A few books fell from their home onto the ground. "Why won't the Goddesses grant me this one wish!" she screamed. Her voice lowered to an almost inaudible whisper. "All I want is to see him more time…"

Phew. Tis the end of the chapter. I know it's a bit rusty from not writing in a while, and it doesn't exceed the length of my last chapter, but I ran out of ideas. I really enjoyed writing the dance scene though? Did you like it? Till next time!